The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, welcomed on Monday 20 January the announcement of the political support of eight EU Member States for the establishment of a European maritime surveillance mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to him, this mission is a "contribution to peace in the region and to ensuring a safe navigation environment. This is not a Council decision, but a coalition of goodwill", he told the media after the Foreign Affairs Council.
A few hours earlier, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal had announced their political support for the creation of this mission, known as EMASOH.
In a joint statement, the countries said the mission, which will be headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, will carry out actions "complementary to ongoing maritime security actions and initiatives in the region". It will provide, in full compliance with international law, "practical, enhanced maritime situational awareness and surveillance through the deployment of additional maritime surveillance assets in the Gulf and the Arabian Sea", the declaration adds.
While Denmark, France, Greece and the Netherlands have already announced operational contributions, the eight countries are looking forward to "new commitments expected in the coming days". (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)